Hire a Guide

NYC licensed guides are the best 'bang-for-your-tourism-buck.' Take the time to learn what our members have to offer. A GANYC member will help you make the most of your time. We also have a wide variety of multilingual guides to aid all international travelers on any service they need.

GANYC members are solely responsible for the content of their profiles on this site.

The designation Certified Guide means the marked individual guide has successfully completed and fulfilled all the requirements of GANYC's professional development program that focuses on how to research, plan, and conduct high-quality tours. These guides are authorized to use the designation, "GANYC certified guide."

Other US tour guide associations have Hire a Guide systems similar to GANYC's. You may contact the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild and the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC with the forms on their websites.

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Art Zuckerman I am a retired teacher, have had managerial positions in corporate America and have run a successful computer company.  Along with my wife, also a licensed guide, we host a radio show called "Z Travel and Leisure" which focuses on New York City, travel and cultural topics.  We have also… Read More
Rod Lorenzo I have lived in the New York area off and on for 20 years. Originally from California, as a Certified International Tour Manager, I also do over-the-road tours of the Southwest, national parks, the Blues Route and the East Coast. My background is primarily in hospitality, therefore, I am accustomed… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Gwen Strum Manhattan, The Big Apple ...so much to do, so much to see Licensed Sightseeing Guide since 1990 Completed GANYC Certification Program (10 Weeks) Dec 2018 ....................................................... Double Decker Buses, Coach Buses,  Limousine and Walking Tours Tours from Harlem to… Read More
Mike Brennan I've lived in New York City all my life, and have been a licensed tour guide for over 25 years.  I love to show off my hometown, and all of my tours are tailored to what you want to see, whether it's the typical highlights or unique neighborhoods or city secrets (one of my specialties). … Read More
Brad Fraver Brad Fraver teaches English at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, in New York City. He has a PhD in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition to teaching full-time for almost two decades, Brad publishes in the field of English education and also enjoys long-distance running, listening to live jazz, singing tenor in a community choir, and leading historical walking tours. Read More
John Comerford Read More
Fred Pflantzer NY See Tours is a NY City tour agency that has been joyfully conducting guided tours since 2010. NY See is a trusted and well-reviewed tour agency providing unforgettable NY experiences for groups, individuals, couples, families, and friends. Fred Pflantzer, the proprietor of NY See Tours, is a… Read More
Lisa Evreinoff Linker I am a New York City passionate, multilingual and highly professional licensed New York City guide with 20 years of industry experience. I work for American and European agencies as a guide and a group manager for incentive and tourist groups from European countries. I also work with… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Jeremy Wilcox I specialize in small-group walking tours, especially for those who are looking for something off the beaten path. I aim to provide something more personal and fun than the traditional group tours. My 5-star ratings on multiple platforms speak for themselves. Read More
Eliot Niles Native New Yorker: played stoopball & stickball with a spaldeen in the streets, and skiball on old Coney Island boardwalk. Brooklynite who has also lived & worked in other cities/countries, always seem to boomerang back home. Experienced licensed tour guide, local, regional, and international clientele. Read More
FRANK CORNEI 20 years experience as a licensed, multilingual, personable Tour Guide. Offering private tours for families, small groups as well as large groups. New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Boston, New England, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, Eastern Canada. Read More
Gay Zizes I am a native New Yorker with a vast knowledge of this city. Tours can be catered for all ages and interests. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Michael Dillinger I am a life long New Yorker and my family roots in this great city go back to the 1840's.  There is a lot of NYC in my DNA. As a guide I believe my job is to help visitor's fall in love with New York.  I have been a professional, full-time, guide for the past six years.  I love being… Read More
Paloma Moro Hernandez Enamorada de NY desde la primera vez que nos vimos, he tenido la suerte de poder disfrutar la Ciudad en múltiples ocasiones como visitante, y finalmente, hacer realidad ese sueño que es convertirse en un verdadero New Yorker. Acompáñenme para conocer Nueva York en español, como nunca lo habían… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Trisha Lynn Sullivan I'm a native New Yorker and have loved the city my whole life, but because my family moved when I was young I have also visited the city as a tourist. I have a background in both Fine Art and Elementary Education and am an avid traveler.. I studied Tour Guiding and Tour Management at ITMI (… Read More
Laura Caparrotti My goal is to make people comfortable and able to fully enjoy the city, like the way I do. My first concern is always to make sure the client tells me what they cannot wait to see or experience, so I can add to the tour that element that will make the tour absolutely unique. I combine Historical… Read More
John Hanke I’m a retired civil engineer who spent over 25 years designing and inspecting structures—including many of NYC’s major bridges and tunnels. My love for the city led me to become a licensed tour guide in 2019, and I’ve been sharing its stories ever since!

I’m also an art lover and a regular at NYC’s museums and galleries. My home away from home is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I lead tours for Walks, LLC.

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Heidi Zsa Zsa Benedikt I decided to become a licensed tour guide after the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. Strange to say I have the greatest job from the worst day in New Yorks history.  Read More
Carey Golden I'm Carey, a teacher turned tour guide! As a military wife, for twenty years, I moved to many states in the US and South Korea!  I'm now combining my passion for teaching and touring into an adventure for you!   I enjoy meeting people and sharing my love for architecture, history, and… Read More
Efren Olivares I lead exciting art tours in English and Spanish across NYC neighborhoods, from Chelsea to TriBeCa, the Upper East Side and Financial District. I founded Look@NYArt in 2017 to educate and engage audiences on Modern and Contemporary in NYC. I hold a Master of Art in Modern and Contemporary Art from Christie’s Ed. I have also been a Museum Guide at the Museum of the City of New York since 2021. An avid theater-goer, I am happy to advise. Read More
Kyle Hand Kyle Hand holds a Master's degree in Screen Studies from Brooklyn College's Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. For his thesis, he both analyzed and created virtual reality videos on New York City history (link above). Following his academic journey, he learned that history is best communicated in… Read More
Ben Wagenberg Sesame, poppy, garlic, whole wheat, everything! New York’s bagel varieties are as distinct as its neighborhoods, which is why each Ben’s Bagel Walking Tour starts off with a fresh New York bagel! Led by Ben Wagenberg, dubbed “The Bagel Expert,” each tour offers Ben’s unique perspective into the nooks and crannies of NYC’s famed foods, landmarks and neighborhoods. Read More
Ivan Shumkov BUILD TOURS offers public tours and custom private tours for groups, companies and individuals to create memorable experiences of New York. Each tour highlights the distinct character of a specific area - weaving history, architecture, art, and design into engaging stories that help our guests experience, understand and connect with New York. We help our guests see, learn and enjoy the New York's architecture in new ways and on a deeper level. Read More
Alvin Alexis Born and raised in NYC.  Alvin has been a Licensed Guide over 15 years, hosting individuals and groups from student to seniors. Whether seeing NY by Foot/ Bus/ Subway, or Motor Coach  I  am very flexible and can cater tours to your individual needs.  I like to mix… Read More
Brian "BFAB" Bice Charismatic, fun and energetic guide with a background in fashion and retail. Local resident of Hell's Kitchen for over a decade, and owner of BFAB Tours, which offers dynamic walking tours of Hell's Kitchen that are equal parts education and entertainment. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Emma Guest-Consales, Ph.D. I am a full-time guide at One World Observatory and a private walking tour guide in New York City. I specialize in 19th c. New York, especially the Gilded Age. Read More
Michael Kaback I have been working in the garment district for almost 60 years now. I have watched the changes from up close.
On my tour, you will learn just what I have observed over these six decades.
In addition, you will learn about fashion from ancient Egyptian times through the haute couture of Paris, France, and into the current prominence of New York City as the fashion capital of the world.
I also offer a terrific Flat Iron District walking tour.
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Fumi Arai I am bilingual in English and Japanese.  I have had more than 10 years experiencce as New York City  tour guide. Before that  I made tour guide books in Japanese for Japanese tour related company for their clients.  Japanese is my strong language as I was born and raised in my… Read More
Adam Guy I Know A Guy NYC Tours, run by Adam Guy, offers full and half-day neighborhood walking tours for families and small groups, In addition, I provide trip planning assistance and serve as a go-to resource during their trip from A GUY who knows NYC inside and out.I aim to help visitors feel at ease… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Ricky Russo Ricky Russo was born in Trieste (Italy) in 1973 and has lived in New York since 2013. He is a tour guide, DJ, music journalist and historian, creator of radio and TV programs and musical event organizer (from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum to concerts of Italian artists in New York.) He holds a degree… Read More
Monia Bonaldo Buongiorno a tutti, sono felice di presentarmi a voi come Guida Turistica di New York! Sono Italiana e faccio questo bellissimo lavoro con passione e dedizione da alcuni anni. New York e' una citta' che non finisce mai di stupire, tradizioni e culture diverse sono all'ordine del giorno, profumi e… Read More
Norman Oder Veteran tour guide Norman Oder("fast-walking, fast-talking") specializes in Brooklyn neighborhoods and also has branched out to a few neighborhoods in Queens and Manhattan. Read More
James Maher My inspiration has always come from the people, history, and vibrant streets of New York City. Initially captivated by street photography—long before I even knew that’s what it was—I spent countless hours wandering Fifth Avenue, watching and documenting the city’s pulse. This passion led me deeper into New York’s unique neighborhoods, where I became fascinated by the city's incredible architecture and diverse communities. Along the way, I extensively studied New York's history and became a certified photography tour and workshop guide.

Since founding my photography business in 2006, my work has grown to include photography tours and street photography workshops that guide photographers from around the world. My goal is always to help people capture authentic images of New York’s distinctive energy and rich historical context. My tours combine practical photography instruction with immersive storytelling.

My commitment to documenting New York’s history is reflected in several extensive documentary projects. My recently completed 15-year series, Glass City and Hype, explore New York’s evolution in the post-9/11 era. East Village Stories, from 2012-2017, comprises nearly 150 portraits and detailed interviews with residents and business owners, creating a living archive of one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Additionally, my 2017 project with the Manny Cantor Community Center, Storytelling in our Immigrant City, highlights the diverse immigrant experiences of the Lower East Side through portraits and powerful personal narratives.

I feel incredibly lucky to share my passion for photography, history, and New York City through tours, workshops, and documentary projects. If you'd like to work together or explore New York with me, please reach out directly at james@jamesmaherphotography.com. Read More
Ronald Groenendyk As a Dutchman who has been living in New York for more than 25 years, I offers walking tours under the name The MetaTourist since 2019. "Meta" in modern slang indicates something self-referential (self-aware). Having traveled for work and pleasure all of my life, I can be a visitor and an observer at the same time. As an immigrant, I can give you the inside and outside perspective. Why do people come to NYC? Why did I come to NYC? Why are you here? Read More
Jonathan Dauermann Hello! American-born, though with many international experiences, I've been a resident of NYC for a decade now, and I'm a veteran tour guide with four years of experience and counting! Now a licensed NYC guide, I can help you and your group design a customized itinerary that both creates the New… Read More
Dave King I arrived in NYC in 2002 with no job, no apartment, and no network. A time before Facebook, before smartphones—when the only way to truly connect was through real conversation. So I put myself out there, joining an open mic at an East Village dive and becoming a volunteer guide. Through these encounters, I began to see NYC not just as a city but as a story, unfolding on every corner. Read More
Krikor Daglian I'm a resident of New York City for about 20 years, mostly living in the East Village. Since 2013, I've been a licensed tour guide in NY and have lead hundreds of tours in various neighborhoods, including the East Village, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, SoHo and many more. My focus has always been… Read More
Leigh Hallingby Leigh is a licensed New York City tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights,  the Upper West Side and Washington Heights. She is passionate about exploring all five NYC boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh holds Masters degrees in both… Read More
Stan Kulp I've been pulling out all the stops--f-stops, that is--taking my photography obsession on the road as a New York City tour guide. After 15 years working in the financial industry, I'm doing what I really love, taking photos, and combining it with my second love, this huge marvelous place called New… Read More
Robert Zhu You haven't been to New York City without my tours. Read More